The Singapore F1 GP 2009 will flag off tonight. This is the 2nd time the Republic is hosting the event and it is still the only Night Race in the world. Preparations by various bodies including Singapore Sports Council, Singapore Motor Sports Association (SMSA) and Singapore GP (SGP) started as soon as last year’s event ended.
Earlier this year, I attended this training for race officials held at SMU.
In June, a seminar on the topic "Towards Motor Sports Safety - Race Organisation and the International Sporting Code" was held as part of the training for senior officials. The seminar was successfully conducted by Mr. Jeff Amin, seen here with Gabriel Tan (Clerk of the Course, Singapore F1 GP 2009).
On the same occasion, SMSA’s President, Mr Tan Teng Lip (center) presented special accreditation to these two Senior Officials.
The shakedown was held 3 weeks ago at Pasir Gudang Racing Circuit. Final briefing for Senior Officials was conducted by Gabriel and Janette Tan (Chief Course Marshal) on Wednesday night in this Viewing Gallery above the Bay Grandstand.
I saw this group of track marshals below The Benjamin Sheares Bridge. They were waiting for instructions before being dispatched to their respective sectors.
Despite our busy schedule, the marshals and officials managed to find time to pose for this big 'family' shot.
F1 star driver, Lewis Hamilton, said during an interview: “Marshals are fantastic people. They can save lives and, if anything, they are braver than us Formula One drivers, but no one gets to see them and they don’t get the credit they deserve.” Fortunately, this remark has not fallen on deaf ears. As a token of appreciation, SGP has kindly given Family Passes to volunteers. And here are the complimentary passes which I shall hand to my close ones.
Lastly, I'll leave you with a peek at the Time Control Room ....
....and the all-important Race Control Room.
